The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Prologue

The atheist typically poses their common question, “If God is all powerful and Love, why does God then allow infiltration of evil?” But this question of the atheist attacking the Christian’s faith, has, as all questions, an element of assumption.

This question can perhaps be best revealed for what it truly is, by asking the following questions: –

• When you assume there is evil, are you not also assuming there is good?
• If you claim there is no good, how did you know this? (If you have seen evil you must have seen good to be able to recognize the contrast.)
• If you then assume there is good, are you not assuming there is a moral law? Because, if there is no moral law, how could you recognize what is good and what is evil?
• If you assume there is a moral law, are you not assuming there is a moral Lawgiver?
• Is this moral Lawgiver then not the God you are denying?
• Since you deny the existence of God and God as the moral Lawgiver, you are insinuating there is no moral law and hence no good and evil and contradict yourself.

So, what then, is the atheist’s question? The moment you take God (the constant, Heb 13:8) out of the equation, you are left with nothing and everything becomes nothing. These prognosticators then typically deny the identity given to humans as male and female. They then go further by trying to impose their choice of lifestyle unto Christians who are people that choose to be followers of Jesus Christ and who do not want to partake or be accomplices to the “LGT…” (whatever) community. The crime of this “genderless/unisex” community is against God who designed us as male and female with the intention to [be able to] multiply and fill the earth – Gen 1:27-28 (Col 3:9,10; Mk 7:20-23; 1 Cor 6:1-11,19,20). Animals were all made according to their kind, but man was made to be to God’s image, ruling [as good stewards] over this creation on earth. But let’s start again with God’s Word, shall we?

The Bible is one, unfolding, progressive revelation of God.  This Word revealed is Jesus Christ.  The Bible with its 66 books is the infallible, inerrant Word of God (2 Tim 3:16,17; 1 Pet 1:23.  This is expanded on in the meditations “The Bible” and “Apparent controversies in the Bible”). Reading The Bible with a natural mind, will give no spiritual insight (2 Cor 4:3-7; Rom 8:7,8).  Approaching God’s Word [Jesus Christ] with ideas of self-impressed worth [tradition, qualification, merit, works, religion], does not get you any revelation knowledge either (Mt 7:15-23; 15:6-9; 1 Pet 5:5; 1 Cor 8:1; Mt 7:15-23; 15:6-9; Mk 4:23-25; 7:9,13; 12:24).  Just trust HIM.  All you need is ears to hear, not a super intellect or extra qualification (Mt 11:25-30).

2 Cor 3:18 (also see note on Gal 4:10 below) teaches that, if we look into a mirror (self-reflect), and still [only] see us, we are in the wrong place.  If we thus read the Bible, and see us [what we must do, and not do; law; self-righteousness], we look into a mirror that can only be a mystery and make us feel guilty and condemned.  We will then remember Rom 3:23, ignorant of v 22,24-25!  We will, for example, look at Esther and manufacture the steps we must follow to “obtain favor with the king”.  This might sell many books (bring lots of money) but is not the Bible message.  The Gospel [good news] is that Jesus Christ has obtained that favor with the Father [as King] and so are we, His people who welcome Jesus Christ inside of us permanently, saved (1 Tim 2:5; Rom 3:23-26;4;5; 10:9-10; Col 1:13)!  Likewise had Joseph not been thrown in a pit by his brothers so that nonsense such as some fancy doctrine (theology) about a P.I.T. (“prophet in training”) must emerge!  Joseph is a foreshadow of Jesus Christ who was also sold, then saved all of His own “who knew Him not” (Jn 1:9-12), who come to Him.  So does Elijah (meaning “my God is Jehovah”), who dropped his mantle for Elisha (“to whom God is salvation”), not mean we must figure out a recipe how to follow in Elisha’s footsteps so we can get a “mantle” from some man of God – it rather tells about Jesus Christ Who send His Spirit to indwell those who keep their eyes upon Him (Acts 2:1-4; Jn 14:23-26), and who discover the revelation of being clothed with Him – and thus so get in Him and clothes of righteousness (Rom 13:14; Eph 6:9-18).  The glory you so obtain, is not a fleeting one, but lasting:  you go from one glory to another – not many glories, but one lasting right here and then [now]!

As far as the image of God is concerned (Gen 1:26-28), the most immediate and obvious attribute [quality, property, trait, feature, quality or characteristic] that should be obvious to us, is God’s creativity [as the Creator of our universe, of things seen and unseen – Gen 1:1; Ps 19:1; Mt 19:4,5; Jn 1:1-4; 5:26; Col 1:13-17; Heb 7:3; Rev 4:11; 21:23]. We, therefore, seem to function best if we exercise our creativity as well and at the very least give God the credit He deserves (Rom 1:18-22; Heb 11:6). God did not give Adam furniture, for example, He supplied trees. On a micro and macro scale our resources are as endless as God Triune.

Refer to the meditations on this website entitled “Healing” and “Prayer” that examines the fact that we cannot do what God does, despite some popular interpretations of Mk 11:23 and Jn 14:13. We cannot speak things into existence, and we cannot control the elements on earth at our will. Please read “Healing” and “Prayer” for a brief exegesis of this idea. However, we can clearly be resourceful [creative] and resilient. We certainly have an observed superiority over all animals (Gen 1:26).

Thoughts

So, does the Shabbat [שַׁבָּת , shabbath] then not be the only day consecrated and set apart for God, but will your heart [mind] be the place prepared for His Holy Spirit to permanently [continuously] indwell you and be a place of rest in the Lord every moment of every day in a oneness Jesus Christ paid for.

Note at Gal 4:10. There are two “systems” mentioned in the Bible.  An Old and a New.  The Old is actually not a “Testament” but a “Covenant” and the New [only] is a “Testament” (Heb 8:13; 9:15-18).  The Old had fleeting [passing, temporary] glories for certain tasks and situations and the New is supposed to have [manifest] a lasting glory because, for the first time, can God (Jn 4:23-24) now indwell His people (Jn 14:2 with Rom 12:5; then Jn 14:23-27; 15:1-7).  For a better exegesis on this Old and New, consider the meditation “Mixing Old and New” by this author; or even the short meditation “A letter to the church-goer”.  Also, 2 Cor 3;18 – the move is from [one, single, momentary] fleeting “glory-system”; to a new lasting “glory-system” [place]! God as Love will not manipulate and therefore leave the choice [result] up to us (Heb 9:8; Rom 8:19)!  We however, must wake up and make our choice who to follow:  self, [false, misled] teachers or Jesus Christ (Jn 14:26; 1 Jn 4:4)?  You can, with Heb 9:1, consider Jn 8:23; 13:1 (Mt 21:43; Jn 17:9; 1 Jn 3:1; 5:9; Rev 3:1014:17); Jn 14:17; 18:33,36,37; Heb 9:8-18.  Also – very important – Rom 3:20-28; 8:29-39!  And then, if you really want to press forward to perfection, try Heb 2:8; Rom 8:2, 11-20; Jn 11:26 and the meditation “The Testimony”!

The Bible (“Book”) is the incomparable compilation of literature of God on this earth (2 Tim 3:16-17).  Yet, like love letters from a husband to his bride, will the reading matter – that was primary – take on a secondary roll once you have met [and remain with] the person.  Once this Person indwells you truly, you will experience a lasting glory and a lasting Life as Jesus said [meant] in Jn 11:26 and Rom 8:11!

So, we see then that the Bible is about Jesus Christ, not recipes.  The Bible is not teaching rules, verses, ceremonies, rituals, and tradition [religion, law] as a means of salvation and abundant life; but rather a lasting relationship with the most intelligent and most creative Person Who [alone] is [imparts] everlasting Life the moment we fully accept this Truth :  our Father in heaven, one with His Son.  And this through His Spirit inside of you, that makes you also a son (potential mature child) of God like Jesus.  You cannot grow into this sonship – you either are a child, or not.  You may grow more mature [enlightened], but your Father does not grow into fatherhood for you, neither do you grow into sonship as His child!  Neither are you a pilgrim or a migrant – you either belong to His household or not (Eph 2:6,19).  You see it, or you don’t (Jn 3:3).  A kingdom implies rulership/dominion, so if Jesus is the King of all the kings in His kingdom, and that is you (Rev 1:5,6; 5:9,10), are you ruling in all aspects of your [thought] life?  Is this manifesting in your life and is it visible to those observing you?

Can it be because you are waiting for things to happen that has happened already?  Is it possible that the power of the church is watered down because they place in future events that are history?  Gaps all over the place:  between Gen 1:1 and 1:2; and then that “rapture-thing” that claims it is about our going more than His coming.  If His Blood and His Spirit could not save all people 2 000 years ago, how can anyone be saved with Holy Spirit that has left earth and by their own blood, and the Jews by 144 000 Jewish priests that reject Jesus as the Messiah?  Have you read Jn 17:15; Heb 1:13; 10:13?  And has man taught you to think heaven is your destination, with a mansion waiting there – one day?  You are then not meek (Mt 5:5; 12:29; Ps 24:1); and the meek cannot be saints – something’s wrong, not so?

What if Jesus [God] expects you to have dominion here on earth, and that that heavenly city is a people, not a place (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14), and that the place He went to prepare for you in His Father’s house (Jn 14:2), is actually mentioned further on in vs 23-24 (Lk 17:20-21; 2 Cor 4:7; Eph 4:12-15; 1 Cor 3:9,16; 1 Tim 3:15; Col 1:24c; 1 Pet 2:5; Eph 1:19-; 2:20)?  Just say, for a moment, the meek [humble before Jesus’ teaching] will really inherit the [whole] earth, and you have been fast asleep because you talked after other men in parrot-like fashion, and missed the Truth – what Jesus came to do, and actually has accomplished (Jn 19:30; Lk 9:62)?  Just say that you are not following the gospel of Jesus Christ but only that about Jesus Christ[1]?

The idea of living by recipes [man’s dogma, rules, compromised theology], is what we will briefly look at following.  We will do well at this juncture, to clear our minds of pre-conceived ideas and just open our hearts up to Holy Spirit.  Welcome Him inside, make place [room] for Him.

Jesus was born in a manger where animals feed because humans did not make place for Him in the house where they stayed in comfort (the Inn?).  But He prepared a place – in our hearts that is washed by His Blood – where once again, the Creator can abide in a relationship of our humble trust in Him (Jn 14:1,2)!  If we are clothed by Him (Rom 13:11-14), we will be inside Him, and then He will have His Spirit inside us [that is inside Him, where His Spirit is]! We will then show forth His glory.  Selah

But let’s start again, with a short review of the momentous event recorded in Genesis 3, when man chose self-righteousness in rebellion.

Observations concerning the two specific trees in the Garden of Eden

 (The third type of tree that represented “ordinary” fruit-bearing trees that produced physical nourishment, aside – Gen 1:29)

1. The tree of knowledge between good and bad, blessing and calamity (Gen 2:8-9,16-17)

[Good] fruit can be consumed [eaten] for it holds a promise of life. Note that the word “good” in Gen 2:17, is tobe (H2896, טוב, H2896, from H2895), good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural. It contains elements of beauty, cheer, favour, fine, merry, joy, kindness, ready, but also sweet, wealth, welfare and very importantly, pleasure. Reading Gen 3:1-7 we see that this “good” can then be what man thinks will be self-satisfying, and not necessarily what God would judge good [best, most favourable] – compare  for instance 1 Cor 6:12-20.  We will shortly refer to more about Jn 6:46-58,63.  Another application for fruit is, for example, as in Mt 3:6-9; 7:15-23; 21:33-43…  Steal is thus not sin; but in fact, the fruit of sin (Jn 16:9).  To not believe that God provides is the sin.  The unlawful taking is the fruit of this unbelief.  Note that God does not want useless and lazy children receiving deliveries from other that are useful!  God’s provision means He provided Life, abilities and opportunities [mechanisms]; but also, a free will [choice].

Contemplate Jn 15:1-5 and 6:46-58,63 with 1 Cor 11:23-31. This is expanded on in the meditations “The Lord’s supper”, “A short Easter message” and especially in “The Testimony”.  We read Rom 3:20,23; 5:12 and how Love [God] gave us the solution mentioned in 1 Cor 15:45; Rom 3:24-28; 8:1-4!  Also, Jn 14:6,23-26 and Phil 3:9!

Self-righteousness was later called Law (Gal 3:19. Expanded on in the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”).

Adam and Eve had no children prior to their rebellion. Only after their choice to be self-righteous, to neglect the spirit that is God-conscious and rather follow the soul, which is self-conscious, have they delivered children all born in this rebellion.  (The meditation “Body soul, spirit” refers).  Hence Gen 2:17; Rom 3:23 but then verses 24-28 and Jn 3:3,16-21;14:6.

Note Adam’s reply (Gen 3:10) to God’s question in Gen 3:9. God wanted Adam to realize his spiritual loss [God-consciousness]. Indeed, Adam realized what he had given away (Rom 13:14; Phil 3:9).  Contemplate Jn 1:1-4.  Note that spiritual Life is at stake (Jn 1:13; 3:3-7).  This is also described in 1 Kings 10:5, when the queen of Sheba entered Solomon’s temple (Acts 7:43-51) and her spirit (ruach, God-consciousness) left her.  1 Ki 10:19-20 tells us that these six stairs were flanked by six lions on each side (666); and that Solomon received in one year 666 talents of God (1 Ki 10:14).  This is no coincidence! This is the sign of a beast (someone self-righteous, not consistently God-conscious, i.e. spiritually dead, hence Jn 3:3; 1 Cor 5:17), from Revelation 13:18 that basically warns us to take heed when considering lust and greed (the sign of a beast, what you think and do, symbolized by the forehead and right hand as in Dt 6:5-8).  The warning refers us to “a certain man” Solomon (1 Ki 3:12,13) with the same principle applied as in 1 Cor 10:6-12. We see an outstanding man in all and all his wisdom and wealth and the sad end in getting lost despite all his trust in that self-sufficiency (1 Ki 11:1-6)!  Our spirit has to be born again and we all have to comply with Rom 10:9-10 (Acts 10:34-35; 1 Cor 10:6-12).

The tree of knowledge between good and bad and blessing and calamity is thus self-righteousness. This tree represents us as humans. The fall of Adam (Rom 5:12) was to, in effect, say to God that created Adam to be a son (Lk 3:38) that he (Adam) would hence forth decide what constitutes good and what constitutes evil. The tree of knowledge between good and bad and blessing and calamity is thus self-righteousness.

 

1. The Tree of Life (Gen 3:23-24)

This is Jesus – Rev 2:7; 22:14,22. Even Jn 1:1-4; Col 3:3; 2 Tim 1:1,10; Tit 1:2; 1 Jn 1:1-2; Rev 2:10.

In their state of rebellion, God [Love] would not have them (us) remain forever hopeless; hence His prevention of them eating from the Tree of Life in their fallen state. First, at the right time (Heb 9:11-12), our Savoir Jesus Christ had to pay on our behalf and then be buried so that we can inherit a NT (Heb 9:16-18; Rom 8:17)!  Then only, since His sacrifice (Jn 19:30; Rev 16:17) can we eat from that Tree of Life and not only obtain everlasting Life but remain until His return!!! (Jn 3;16; 5:37-47; 6:32-35,4850,63; 8:51; 11:25-26; 12:47-50.  This is expanded on in the meditation “The Testimony”).

Other points of interest here

• Man was made outside the garden of Eden, then put (placed) inside it (Gen 2:8,15)
• Man was to rule in- and on the earth, especially Eden (Gen 1:26-28; 2:15b). This is a place of authority.  A position, clothed with power (Eph 6:13 = Rom 13:14)
• The devil was (is) operating in-, and on the earth only (Job 1:7; and again 2:2). [In “Bible-language”, or “Bible-style”, to repeat something means there is a definite accentuation]
• Satan has zero authority over man (Gen 1:26-28; Js 4:7; Eph 4:27; et cetera), so the devil only gets authority from mankind that is not subject to God (Js 4:7a; Rom 12:2) at that moment.
• Satan, the devil, is only compared to creatures in the field (Gen 3:1)[2].
• Satan enters through thought processes (Is 5:18-21; 54:13,14; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:23;Heb 12:2).
• There is no mercy and grace under Law. Refer to Jn 1:17.  Observe how Uzza, in the OT, could not survive even when he did what he considered right or good (Refer to note at Rom 7:10 on p. 3/8 of the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”); whilst the woman received God’s grace which is [everlasting] Life as seen in Jn 8:3-12,51,58! (“The Testimony” expand on this)

A golden thread can now be connected between Dan 4:14; Jer 2:20; 3:6,13; Mic 4:4; Zech 3:10; and yes, Ez 6:13 and again in chapter 28 pointing to Jn 1:48-51 and Acts 7:51-56 (this enormously momentous incident is expanded on in the meditations “Rapture Raptured” and “The Testimony”. We are supposed to see the heavens opened [realms of heaven and earth connected] with Jesus Christ on the throne… our Tree of LIFE covering all of us who follow Him without end (Rev 2:7; 22:14,22; even Jn 1:1-4,17) …

Nephilim, rephaim, giants and the flood (an extract from the meditation “Lucifer part 2”).

Gen 6:4 (penned by Moses, who lived around 1393-1273 BC) mentions giants that were on the earth in those days – and also afterward [of the flood that happened about 2349 BC]… So, giants somehow seemed to have survived the flood, despite Gen 6:17 and Gen 7:22,23 that state that God would destroy all flesh in the flood! Well, first of all, obviously the death [extinction] was not for literally all living creatures, for we are told eight people went onto- and got out of the ark (Gen 6:18; 7:7; 8:15-19) and some [marine, water, amphibian] creatures could naturally also have survived, apart from those saved in the ark. This does not make the Bible inaccurate; it just typically gives incomplete information in a specific place in scripture about a specific event. The Bible is in fact rather one unfolding revelation about Jesus Christ as our only salvation (Mt 24:37-44; Jn 3:16-21; 14:6). The Bible is obviously not a scientific handbook; it would be a ridiculously voluminous publication if all [microscopic] detail of-/in creation were to be explained by it. Second, the Biblical mentioning of post flood giants are mentioned in at least Num 13:33; Dt 2:11,20; 3:11; 2 Sam 5:18,22; 21:16,18,20,22; 23:13; 1 Chron 11:15; 14:9; 20:4,6,8; Joshua 11:22; 12:4; 13:12; Job 16:14; Is 17:5; and their “survival” could very plausibly have happened by means of the DNA of Shem and/or his wife! Again, too little information is given by the Bible author(s) here for we know next to nothing, for example, of the wives of Shem, Ham and Japheth (Gen 6:10). We can surmise, about Ham and his descendants (Gen 10:1,6-20) that they probably account for at least some of the Rephaim. There is a possibility that sodomy was involved in the account given in Gen 9:21-24, hence a curse on Ham and his descendants (Gen 9:25-27; Lev 18:7. Refer to Gen 19:1-13,24,25; Lev 20:13; 18:22; Dt 12:30,31; 18:22; 22:5; Rom 1:25-28; 12:9; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Rev 21:8; et al. The meditation “Homosexuality, a choice, gender or not” expand on this) However, it is a challenge to the imagination how such big men would copulate with [human] women apparently half their size. Furthermore, would such a baby not be of an abnormal big size that would make a normal birth unfeasable? The Bible neither gives us any clear reference of abnormally big woman. The reference to fallen (Jude 1:6) implies then, the fallen state from divine paternity transforming into human condition. Giants could even have assisted Noah in building the ark. Giants ravaged the earth, filling it with destruction and evil and depleted the world of food and terrified humankind and it seems that it was largely these actions that triggered the judgement of God by means of the flood. The question can be asked where the skeletons of these post-flood giants are. (Those killed in the flood would hardly have had orderly graves).

Back to basics

In the Bible people are compared to trees and the words they speak [results], to fruit.  This fruit have seeds inside.  Only God can count the fruit [result; with foreknowledge, offspring] produced by seed, we can at most only count seed inside a fruit.  Fruit gives a promise that you can live by it, that’s why you eat it.  In Gen 3, Eve was offered a proposition:  to live by the prospect of knowing – for herself – the difference between right and wrong (Rom 8:14).  This proposition of being able to live by it, of course, turned out to be a terrible lie (Gal 3:10; 2 Cor 3:6,7,13-16).  Note that apparently Eve had not yet realized the nakedness or displacement, only when Adam [that legally represents mankind] partook of that mindset [thought pattern] of thinking you can live by applying self-knowledge between right and wrong, i.e. “Law” without needing a Savior, Guide, Teacher, Friend in God (Jesus Christ – Jn 1:1-5).  So, Adam actually implemented law [legalism]!  The rules [name] for that came much later for an appointed time (Rom 5:12-14).  Another fact that might shock you, is that this law was not God’s idea for salvation, but only Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God since before the foundation of the world (1 Pet 1:20; Eph 1:4-5), so God handed the law on Mt Sinai to Moses “via angels” (Heb 2:2; Gal 3:19; Acts 7:38-39,53), He could not go back on His promise (Gen 22:17).  Note Gal 3:29 (3:16) refers to Gen 22:17 [Abraham, even Gen 12:2-3], not Moses (Dt 28)!  2 Cor 3:13-18 (Col 3:11-17) holds true!

The sacrifice of anything else than a lamb, was not acceptable, for God had His salvation plan in place right from day one.  So Cain might have inherited thoughts (right or wrong?!), that his fruit was a more acceptable offering than the bloody mess that Abel presented, but God could have wanted it then for the purpose so all could see the pattern:  first one lamb for one man (Gen 22:8), then one lamb for one family (of priests, Ex 12:3; lev 16:11), then one lamb for one congregation (Ex 30; Num 16:46), then one lamb for one nation (Lev 17), then one Lamb for all mankind that accept (Gen 22:18; John 1:29; Is 53:7; 1 Pet 2:24; 1:18,19; Eph 1:7).  Sin is red!  When cross, you see red (murder is fruit of sin). Lev 17:11; Is 1:18; Heb 8:12. By the way, Jesus as the Author of Life, gave His life for us, yet the religious Jews wanted Him dead (had Him crucified with their own Synagogue “military” or “Temple police” – Acts 4:1; see who Peter addressed in Acts 2:22; 3:12; and note the “you” in all those verses in between.  Read John 19 again – the Roman Empire found Jesus not guilty and handed Him over to the religious Jews, who had Jesus crucified by the same people that they used to arrest Him in Gethsemane).  We do not hate Jews, but we certainly do not place them above any other ethnic group on earth – just like Jesus (Mt 21:43; Jn 3:16; Rom 10:12; Gal 3:28; Rev 5:9; those that reject Jesus is anti-Christ – 1 Jn 2:4,22,23; 2 Jn 1:7.

To summarize: “law” is “self-righteousness” is “self” is god is religious is spiritually dead is a beast.

So, Jesus, the only One Who could ever comply with the law, did so and succeeded by not following the Law!!  He demonstrated as the Son of Man (as a man) that we can only do right [again] by being led by God (Rom 8:14)!  Any system of trying to do right [knowing right from wrong and then attempting to live by applying that knowledge], is nothing else than self-righteousness [that implies Jesus is superfluous, unnecessary].  This is a self-deceived soul, not God-consciousness (Spirit, Jn 4:23-24).  Secondly, nothing happened yet when Eve ate this fruit (promise) – only when Adam partook of it, did they realize they were not clothed with the Christ [Spirit, Sonship] of God [yet, Rom 8:19; Heb 11:40].  This is so because Adam represents man, not Eve (1 Cor 15:45; Rom 5:12).  The point is, we as the Bride might today eat of this fruit, but will not affect our children that are re-born, because our Bridegroom Jesus Christ does not [and never has] partaken of that tree (Jn 8:42-47)!  The children get the father’s blood-type.  We, and they, must be born from above (Jn 3:6-7).  Holy Spirit Fathered Jesus, not Joseph.  The Tree of Life redeemed us and set us free (Jn 8:32,36; 14:6; 1 Pet 1:18; Col 1:13).

Before looking at the seed of Satan (Gen 3:15), consider this:  in Gen 1:26 man is not listed.  This implies that [one] man is not supposed to manipulate, dominate, enslave, misuse, abuse [another] man.  This, indeed, is in the image of Love (God) – Love does not manipulate, cowards do. Dictatorship and abuse is ungodly.  Bare this in mind as we take a closer look at law and later, God’s sovereignty.

Now then, where do the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, the hypocrites [play-actors] come from?  We read of them “suddenly” in the gospels, and then they seem to “disappear” in the Book of Acts.  They are the fig tree (Israel, the followers of Christ are the vineyard – 1 Cor 3:9 Ampl). Malachi was the last prophet until John the Baptist (prophesied by Is 40:3) appeared about 400 years after Malachi.  Why?  The unbelievers killed them all (Mt 21:33-44[3])!  By the way, did you here and in Jn 8:7 see that the law is like a stone you can throw at someone to kill him with?  The conscious cannot be clear under law (Heb 9:8-9), see Heb 10:1-18; 2:3.  Only by following Jesus Christ, can we know Truth/be free of guilt.

The fig tree features in Lk 13:6-10 and then again later in Mt 21:18-29.  Did you see it?  So that fig tree “blossomed” when Jesus was crucified (Mt 24:32-34), oblivious of 1 Cor 2:5-10!  The warning in Mt 3:7-10 fell on the deaf ears of the religious leaders.  Jn 12:31 was for them following Satan (Jn 8:31-59), but Jn 3:17-21; 1:12 is for us following Jesus’ teaching.  This is why Mt 10:34-37 does not contradict Is 9:6; Lk 2:14; or Jn 14:27; or 16:33. Are you reminded of Scriptures like Jn 1:17; and Heb 8:13?  Do you tie it in with Mt 9:16-17?  Good!  Only Jesus Christ could bring peace between God and mankind, this separates the religious (Rom 10:1-10) from those hungry and thirsty for HIS Truth and showing the fruit for it.

Carefully study Rom 4; 5; and Rom 8.  Jesus is [only can be] your righteousness (Phil 3:9).  So, just be a son (mature child) of God!  Let the world see it, and so teach it by example and lifestyle.

Next, we have to be sure to realize what the Blood of Jesus paid for.  We either are under law, and attempt to do it ourselves, or we accept His grace and righteousness (Jn 1:17), understanding righteousness (Heb 5:13 with Jn 16:10; Rom 3:24-25; and so on).  Either we try and uphold an O.T. covenant, with its tabernacle-system, or we accept our inheritance through the New Testament.  Jesus was buried so we could inherit a legit Testament (Heb 7 and 9).  Carefully consider Gal 4 and 5.  This has profound consequences.  There is only one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism.  No mixing, no compromises!  God made that destroyer, to destroy distrust in God as a Perfect Father (Is 54:14-17)!

Note at Eph 4:5: Many times, we will hear people ask the question, “What faith are you?” or “To what church do you belong?” And the reply will come, of the Catholic faith or the Baptist faith or any one of the other denominational groups. This implies that there are different faiths or different ways of believing which will all get us into God’s kingdom. That’s not true. There is only one saving faith.

It is true that there are many different “systems” within Christianity which can all be distinguished by different beliefs. But if the foundational faith in the true gospel is not adhered to, then whatever belief system a person has, it will not save him. There is only one saving faith (Rom 10:9,10; Jn 16:9;14:6). Grasp Acts 4:12; 10:43; Rom 1:16; Phil 3:10-11.

God has not initiated nor condoned all the different beliefs in the body of Christ. He delivered just one faith to His followers and any deviation from His Word is not according to the faith spoken of here (1 Jn 2:4).

Prophecies Jesus Christ fulfilled

 The apostle Paul placed above the eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-8), the more than 300 prophecies Jesus fulfilled – Rom 16:25-27; Rev 19:10; Jn 5:39,46,47.

Paul used to be Saul, a Pharisee, prior to his re-born experience on the way to Damascus (Acts 26) with the intent to wipe out this new “Christian sect” for good! (Jn 16:1-3).

Luke 24:26,27 alone points at least to the following:

Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 22:18; 49:10
Numbers 21:9; 24:17
Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19
2 Samuel 7:12-14
Psalm 2:1-12; 16:10; 22:1-31 (Ps 22:1, 31 were uttered by Jesus on the cross, also saying Ps 22 is fulfilled [finished].  Ps 22:16 described a crucifixion 1,000 years prior to its invention by the Romans[1]); Ps 34:20; 78:2; 69:9,21,23; 89:34-37; 110:1.
Proverbs 11:30
Isaiah 7:14; 8:14; 9:1-7; 11;12; 28:16; 40:10-31; 42:1; 50:6; 52:13-53:12; 61:1; 63:1-6
Jeremiah 23:5,6; 33:14-16
Ezekiel 21:27; 34:23; 37:25
Daniel 9:24-27
Hosea 11:1
Jonah 1:17
Micah 5:1,2
Zechariah 9:9; 11:12,13; 12:10; 13:7
Malachi 3:1; 4:2

See what Jesus (of John 1:1-3,14,17; Col 1:13-21) have to say in Jn 5:39, 46,47 (1 Cor 10:4; Ex 17:6; Num 20:11).  Then there is Balaam who, after opening his heart, saw Num 24:17, about 1 050 years before Jesus was born into the world.

Actually, as one, unfolding, progressive revelation of Jesus Christ, we see the Bible revealing more than one might originally have thought.  The meditation “Who is Jesus Christ” offers more information.

[1] Note Jesus was crucified by the Jewish temple police, not by the Romans who found no guilt in Him (Jn 7:32; 10:29,31; 11:8,53,54;19:7,12-18; Acts 2:22,23,36c; 3:12,14-16; 4:1).  The two next to Jesus were tied with ropes to their crosses, as Romans used to do; but Jesus was nailed to His cross.  Why?

Baptism (and the law)

 The word is actually “immersion”, from the Greek “Baptizo”.  See the meditation on “Baptism” for a more complete exegesis and discussion on this subject.  For, now, only this:

When the king of England asked for a translation of the Bible [in English] in A.D. 1611, he did not want the church of England to be “embarrassed” by it, as he was the head of the church of England (seemingly forgetting Eph 1:19-23).  They already had a ceremony in place by then, whereby infants were sprinkled with water.  So, the word “baptism” is a transliteration from the Greek “baptizo” or “baptisimo”, and not a translation [that should read “immersion” as is the meaning in Greek].  This to honour King James of England’s request.

The idea of sprinkling infants came from the Constantine era (post A.D. 325), whereby Christianity became the state religion.  Subjects naturally needed to be included into this state religion as soon as possible, so the ceremony of sprinkling infants were instated.  Many compromises have been adopted by various denominations, some claiming that the infant “baptism” is a holy sacrament substituting the circumcision the Jewish had under their law, thus being a N.T. replacement for an O.T. ritual.  Then suffice to read Gal 5:1-6 with Heb 8:13; 9:8; Rom 10:4; 7:4,6 and admit you have swallowed an utterly unscriptural teaching!  Baptism is a believer’s own decision [act of believe, commit] not merely ritual.

Note on Mt 3:15: Jesus had no sin (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb 4:15); therefore, He didn’t need John’s baptism of repentance for the remission of His sins, yet He was immersed (“… went up straight away out of the water…”, Mt 3:17), because He changed from a son of the law (bar-mitsvâh) to the Son of God (Jn 5:19)!  So, there is a repentance [metanoia, change of mind]!   This had at least two purposes. (1) It publicly announced Jesus as the Lamb of God to the people (Jn. 1:29,31). (2) It fulfilled the prophecy of Daniel 9:24 as Jesus was anointed (Acts 10:38) by Holy Ghost (v. 16) and empowered to begin His ministry. (3) It foreshadowed His death, also to law, His submersion unto the Father and His ministry, His burial, His resurrection.  If Jesus openly demonstrated this submission to His Father [Holy Spirit, Jn 4:24] only, not the law, and needed to be anointed, how much more do we, Lk 24:49 with Acts 1:8;2:1-4.  Jesus was not obedient to become [be] the Son, Jesus Christ was obedient unto the Father because He was [is] the Son. Fruit of the Spirit and good deeds are a result of following His voice, not a means to try and impress God [get Him to owe you something!  His rewards are not out of obligation, or debt, but out of His out-of all-proportion grace and righteousness].  Carefully contemplate Jn 15:1-16:3! Do you see how (for one) Jn 8 leads to Jn 9?  Consider Heb 11:6 with Rom 3:20,24-28; 7:4,6; Gal 5:4,18.

Note the following:

• Jesus, as Son of Man, was liable to death (Mt 2:13-23), but as Son of God He was not (Mt 27:50). Contemplate the Spirit [Life, Jn 6:33] of Is 53; 1 Pet 2:24 with Heb 2 (especially vs. 8-17); 1 Cor 15:26; Rom 8:11; Jn 3:16; 11:26…
• As Son of law, He bore no fruit on record, and we have no reference to Him, as if He was dead.
• Jesus never partook [consumed, ate, lived by] the tree of good and evil [law]…, so He was indeed dead to law as a means of righteousness; but Life itself as the Tree of Life.
• The moment He took the decision to submerse Himself under Holy Spirit [His Father] only and be buried to the law (Rom 7:4,6), fulfilling it (Mt 3:14-16) with the symbolism of Baptism, God declared Jesus His Son. Now His ministry started, He bore fruit with signs, miracles and wonders following …

A very important aspect is that God wants a personal relationship with us, not empty rituals, ceremonies, or traditions [religion].  Something internal, not something merely external.  He wants to indwell us (we must be clothed with Him, be inside Him) from where He can give us strength, from where He can guide us and teach us and show His power and light and grace and love.  The obvious then, is to note the minimum three requirements Jesus have for being saved, require a response out of own free will, not anything an infant can do.  Neither anything any one can do on your behalf:

• To Repent: to have a new mind, free from law, a new way of thinking with a life showing it – Mt 4:17; 18:3; Mk 1:15; 6:12; Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30; 26:20; et cetera.
• Confession: to publicly and openly [verbally] confess Jesus as Savior and Lord is the requirement to be saved (Rom 10:9,10), not a ceremony as such; however, to identify with Jesus’ burial and resurrection by our own choice and decision is certainly an open confession, just as our living [deeds] are  – Mt 3:8; Js 2:14-26; Acts 2:38-45; Mt 21:25,26; and of course have the people Jesus were referring to in Mt 28:19, to be more mature than infants to be discipled [taught] first, [also to grasp immersion].  Repentance is only true once manifested in words and deeds by a believer!
• To Have faith: to take God seriously – Heb 11:6; Jn 14:15;15:14.  Then, of course, is all this effectively summarised in Mark 16:16…

Note that none of these can be done by an infant or by someone else on your behalf.  God is Love, and Love is not manipulative – He gave you your own free will to choose whether you will submit to Him or whether you will rather follow man’s ideas [traditions, doctrines] on how to serve and love God.  You choose between [serving] God or yourself [man’s ideas on God] and your own attempts/works.

Are you asking:  but what about the young that die and could not yet have done this, are they included in this covenant?  Then tell me, who do you think God is?  Is He capable of righteousness, of being just?  This “covenant”, do you understand it?  Try the meditation “The Covenant and the Law” if you will.

When the Israelites were “baptizo’d” unto Moses, they were immersed (obedient) under Moses.  Similarly, when a believer is “baptizo’d” into water, he submits to (is immersed into) the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.  He is under God`s control and is the Lord`s.  Water “baptism” shows a person has repented, and is leaving the old life behind.  That he believes in the Name of Jesus Christ, that he confessed Jesus is Lord and is submersed (fully committed) in this publically with no shame.  Acts 2:38; 8:12,15-17; 9:18; 10:47,48; 22:16; Eph 5:26; Tit 3:5; Rom 1:16.

The infant cannot grasp, understand nor declare this…  A personal belief, new life and relationship in – and with the Father through Jesus Christ is testified by the believer.  Jesus Christ Himself endorsed this baptizo, He was “baptised” (submersed, not “sprinkled”) and allowed His disciples to immerse men and woman – Matt 3:13-17.  He commanded the church to preach the Gospel, make disciples and “baptizo” those who already believed and repented (Matt 3:7-11; 28:19; 16:16) – not infants!  And yes, a fifty year old can be a child.

I have even heard this argument against immersion: “if the person is under water, how can the words “… in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” be heard”?  Can you believe this stupidity?  I wonder what his baby understands (“hears”) when he is sprinkled?  Amazing.

There is only one baptism (Eph 4:5) – that of believers in Jesus’ teaching.  This involves a personal choice resulting in a personal relationship with God.  Not trying to follow the ten commandments in ignorance.  A change of mind is required.  How else then, is immersion fully demonstrated, if not by full immersion?  Meditate on Col 2:8-12, then as Holy Spirit leads…  See that self-righteousness comes in many camouflaged ways and means and ideas.

Note at Rom 3:19: This very clear statement by Paul comes as a complete shock to most Christians. Christianity as a whole has embraced the Old Covenant law and most Christians have never thought that the law was not intended for them (Heb 8:13; 9:8; Rom 10:4). However, Paul is saying that the law was given to the Jews that were then in the desert (Ex 20:1; Rom 9:1-5). The purpose of that law was to produce guilt (see note below), therefore, anyone who is denying their guilt before God can profit from its condemning effect (2 Cor. 3:6-9; 1 Tim. 1:9). But a Christian who embraces the Old Testament law (not everything that is in the Old Testament is law) as God’s gift to them has misunderstood its purpose.  Often the word(s) saying “commandments” or “Law of the Lord” actually refers to-, and means the “precepts”, or “teachings”, or “principles” of the Lord, not the letter-fixed “10 commandment” concept of being your own god, thinking you are able to, and attempts to save yourself by self-knowledge and self-submersion (ex Ps 1:2). Jesus always either referred to the “Law of Moses” or “The Law given unto Moses”; or Jesus referred to His command [words, precepts, teachings].  Study “It is written, but I say…”  (Mt 5:21-48; Jn 1:17; 9:28; 8:28; 12:50; 14:15,23; 15:14,17,26).

That is not to say that a Christian should reject the Old Testament as God’s holy Word, God forbid. It certainly is God’s Word and is, therefore, profitable for doctrine, reproof, etc. (2 Tim 3:16,17). However, it needs to be interpreted in light of the New Testament. Jesus not only set us free from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13), He also set us free from the law itself (Rom 4:16; 6:14-15; 7:4-6; 8:2; 2 Cor 3:7; Gal 2:19; 3:24-25; 4:21; 5:18; Eph 2:14-15; Col 2:14; 1 Tim1:9; Heb 7:18-19; 8:7-13; 10:8-9). A desire to live under the commands of the Old Testament law is a return to bondage and a complete misunderstanding of our Testament in Jesus (Heb 9:16,17).

So the work of the devil Jesus loosened (1 Jn 3:8), was for man to try and live by following rules, by trying to be your own god.  Jesus demonstrated successfully that you only need your Father in heaven (Triune), that there is indeed no other God than Him, especially not yourself and that you need a continual, habitual, on-going relationship with Him and that He has pleasure in having that relationship with you, hence the blessings and signs following that follows automatically from this (Mt 6:8,33; Lk 12:32; Mt 5:5).  This was the agony of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane, to face a [short] separation from Father.  This is what is so momentous in pre-contemplating sin.  The pre-meditation of revealing your distrust in promises of Jesus Christ [God the Father] in abuse, slander, self-help-provision (Jn 16:9).

Note at Rom 3:19: Paul begins to make a series of radical statements here. Radical because the Jews of his day, just like many church people of our day, thought that the law of God was given so that we could earn our salvation through keeping it. That wasn’t its purpose. The law was not given for the purpose of producing justification (Rom 3:20, 28; 4:13; 7:4,6,10; Gal 2:16; 3:11; 5:4,18; Phil 3:9; Ti 3:5).

The law was given to kill (2 Cor 3:7) and condemn (2 Cor 3:9) self-righteousness; to show what sin is. The law strengthened sin, and did not prevent it (1 Cor 15:56) and made sin come alive (Rom. 7:9). The law gave sin an occasion against us to deceive us and work all manner of lust in us (Rom 7:8,11). In short, the law strengthened our own unrenewed “self” that sins through our own lust and greed –  the law does not strengthen us. The condemnation we feel is because of “self” [law] – Rom 8:1-3,33-39 with 1 Jn 3:20.  “Devil” means “accuser”, and then “false accuser” (Rom 8:29-39)!! Jesus is the Savior, the Advocate, not the accuser!  So why are you tormenting yourself with accusation [guilt]?  Rethink Rom 8:1-3,29-39;  then 1 Jn 5:9-15; and Mk 24:11.

Why would God give us something that strengthened (amplified) our enemy? Because sin had already beat us and we didn’t know it. Mankind was deceived into thinking that although we weren’t perfect, surely our sins weren’t that bad. We really are pretty good people and the outcome would be “okay.” The only thing that is wrong with that thinking is that God doesn’t grade on a curve. It doesn’t matter if you are better than someone else. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (v. 23) in our  self and the wages for sin (Jn 16:9) is death (Rom. 6:23). Have you really heard and believe Jesus Christ (Jn 11:26)?  Why do we believe men who keep on preaching afterlife as if it is everlasting life?  Do we call ourselves Christians who unconditionally believe Jesus but think He used the wrong words?  This is perhaps too much (Jn 16:12).  Contemplate the meditation “The Testimony” and ask Jesus Himself…

James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” If a person commits any sin he is guilty of them all. It’s similar to breaking a window. It doesn’t matter how big a hole you make in the window. If it’s broken, the whole window has to be replaced. If we break even the slightest command, we are guilty of breaking them all. But read beyond Rom 3:23 (and once for all, get v 24,25 in you’re head and heart).  Yes, you were your own enemy, but God is Love, and His Love [Him] is bigger than we can grasp.  It’s not how we love Him, it’s how He loves us.  For He so loved the world…  Amen.

So God had to break the deception that people had fallen into, of thinking they were surely good enough to be accepted by God. The way He did this was to give the law. It made sin and its lust come alive [known, defined] in us. To those who would receive it, it became obvious that if this holy perfection of the law was what God demanded, no one could be saved by his own goodness.

That was the point that God wanted to make and that is the point that Paul is making here. No one can be saved by keeping the law because all have sinned and come short of the law’s perfection (v. 23).  That is why He that is slow to anger, and quick to forgive, paid for us on our behalf.  Therefore you have the continuation of vs 24-31 in Rom 3.  All that can save us is our trust that He actually did this.

So, the law stripped us all of every excuse and made us all guilty before God. The law gave us a knowledge of just how sinful [not clothed by Jesus, displaced] we all were and removed any deception of us ever being saved because we were such “nice guys” in comparison to others. As Paul said in Galatians 3:23, “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” The law took away every hope of salvation except faith in a Savior (Rom 10:9,10). That was the purpose of the law.  This is where all religions differ from Christianity.

Take it or leave it, but do not mix it! It is law or grace.  A covenant or a Testament.  Choose now.  The “covenant” in the “Testament” is that God’s promises stays ever true (Gen 22:17; Gal 3:29), and that He would sent our Messiah Jesus Christ – He did!  As long as you are submersed unto His teachings and listens to His Voice.  But this is not the “lollipop-theology” (that God only gives if you are good, but withdraws if you are bad!  This is man’s reasoning and the law’s dynamics (Dt 28)!  God is a Perfect Father Who just wants to bless you and multiply your blessings!  The Old covenant Law was provisional (eternal from God’s side but man nullified it through non-compliance and offense); the New Testament is something we get for free (we just have to believe God, trust Jesus, His Word).

A covenant is a contract, a conditional arrangement. You do not stop being a child of your father if you break a rule in his household.  A Testament speak of grace, and grace is unmerited [undeserved] favour, otherwise it is not grace.  Grace and righteousness cannot be earned. Carefully contemplate Rom 4:13; 6:14; 7: 4,6,10;8:1-4,14,15; 11:6; and Gal 3-5…  Jesus finished it and does not need our help (Jn 1:17; 14:6)…  Remember also, that God’s grace is not ungodliness.  See the true love He defines in Rom 12:9…

Note at Rom 1:5: This is the first of 24 times the term “grace” is used in Paul’s epistle to the Romans. The Greek word for grace is “charis” and is translated many different ways throughout the New Testament. It is translated: favor, thanks, gracious, thankworthy, thank, thanked, pleasure, liberality, and acceptable. The most common way it is translated is by the word “grace” which is used 129 times in the N.T.   Praise our perfect Father for His grace and Love, for the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

According to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, “the word ‘charis’ (grace) contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved (Love). The New Testament writers used ‘charis’ pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving.”

Another form of the Greek word “charis” (grace) is “charisma” and is translated “gift.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines “charisma” as “a gift of grace, a gift involving grace on the part of God as the donor.” In other words, “charisma” is a specific form or manifestation of the grace of God. It is used to describe as a free gift: righteousness (Rom 5:16-17); spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:28-31; Rom. 12:6-8); eternal life (Rom 6:23); the five ministry gifts (Eph 4:11); celibacy (1 Cor 7:7); healings (1 Cor 12:9,28,30); and miraculous intervention (2 Cor. 1:11). Suffice here to say what the writer of Hebrews 10:14 said: “For by a single offering He has for ever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy”.  Contemplate for yourself the following: Heb 8:12,13; 9:8-15; 10:1-10…  Jesus really took your sins and condemnation away.  In Him you are His holiness, in Him you are His perfection before God the Father.  Not gradually.  See John 1:12 and 1 John 3:1,20-23.

But for His grace, we have to believe [trust and rely on, cling to] Jesus, not the law.  Be free [from guilt, and from the idea of having to earn approval, the law] and be blessed in Jesus name!  His blessings are free of charge and completely separate from what you do or fail to do (as acts or deeds or works) – God’s grace is for all His children – full stop (Gal 3:29; Gen 12:3).  If you are His child (Jn 1:12), you will receive His blessings.  Heed your conscious (God’s Voice).

The deeds, acts and works are as a result of the child of God for His unfathomable Love, not to obtain His love (like a bribe, putting a price or human value to it).  The motive is all wrong if we in any way attempt to obtain blessings from God by our attempts [works].  This is an offense to God, not impressing Him and “forcing” Him to “owe” us anything (blessings).

Therefore, “baptism” is our public submission unto Jesus Christ – accepting His death, resurrection and Him empowering us by sending His Holy Spirit to indwell us as His heavenly Jerusalem, His Body, His ecclesia, His Church.  He dwells in us and we in Him.  We submit to this, trusting Jesus Christ, relying on His promises, and clinging to Him.

This thought of “owing” or “lacking”, brings another misconception in the church to Light, namely the idea of interceding, of “standing in the gap” for unbelievers before God.  Is this Scriptural correct?  Let us look at this a little closer and again, listen to what Jesus teaches!

Intercession

Do you want to “stand in a gap” for someone?  Are you getting up at 03:30 to meet a group of church-goers in the “gate” of your city at dawn to intercede?  Is it Scripturally correct to pray over other man’s prayer requests as if taking up a role of an intermediate between God and man today?  If it is more than agreement, and an attempt to bring conciliation between God and man, you might want to rethink this.

If you have Ez 22:30 in mind, read the last part of that paragraph with Ez 21:27.  Then ask Holy Spirit what He means by Scriptures such as 1 Tim 2:5; Rom 8:26-28,34; Heb 4:16; 7:25; 9:12,24-28.  Are you following a doctrine that is really trying to say Jesus is a failure [has failed, or partially failed]?

Christ’s priestly office consists of at least these two parts, (1) the offering up of Himself as a sacrifice, and (2) making continual intercession for us. Remember Jn 3:16 says “the world”…When on earth He made intercession for His people (Lk 23:34; Jn 17:20; Heb 5:7); but now He exercises this function of His priesthood in heaven, where He is said to appear in the presence of God the Father for us (1 Jn 2:1-2; Heb 7:25; 9:12,24).  Carefully think about Heb 8:13; and 9:8.

His advocacy with the Father for His people rests on the basis of His own all-perfect sacrifice. Thus He pleads for and obtains the fulfilment of all the promises of the everlasting Testament (1 Jn 2:1; Jn 17:24; Heb 7:25). He can be “touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” and is both a merciful and a faithful High Priest (Heb 2:17-18; 4:15-16). This intercession is an essential part of His mediatorial work. Through Him we have “access” to the Father (Jn 14:6; Eph 2:18; 3:12). “The communion of His people with the Father will ever be sustained through Him as mediatorial Priest” (Ps 110:4; Rev 7:17).

We must realize God is not angry at mankind anymore (2 Cor 5:19).  The angels proclaimed at the birth of Jesus, “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward man” (Lk 2:14).  These angels were not saying that peace would reign between people and that wars would cease, they were proclaiming the end of the war between God and rebellious, self-righteous man for Jesus paid a price that was infinitely greater than all the sins of the whole human race in eternity.  God’s wrath and justice have been justified.  He is not an angry God.  He loves the world, not only the church.  He paid for all sin.  We must go and preach that good news to them out there, not by trying to do [again] what [only] Jesus has finished (1 Jn 2:2)!  Jesus Christ changed everything so successfully, God is not angry.

In the OT, God’s judgement was poured out on both individuals and nations.  In the NT, God’s judgement was poured out on Jesus.  This is the good news the world has to hear.  We no longer get what we deserve; we get what Jesus paid the price for, we only have to believe this.  We only have to show the trust in His Person, in His Word, and take Him seriously.  Why do we resist to trust Him?

If God the Father now judges a nation or a person like some people think He is going to do, He has to apologize to Jesus!  Understand what Jesus did and what He came to do (1 Jn 3:8).  This “work the devil has done”, is to get mankind to try and live by self-righteousness.  In other words, by eating from the tree of knowledge between good and evil, blessing and calamity [the idea of living by following own knowledge between right and wrong].  This is saying that Jesus Christ is superfluous for salvation because a man through his own compliance to the law [10 commandments] can do it.  Well then, contemplate Jn 1:12,17; 9:28; 19:7; Rom 7:10 with Gal 2-5 in the Amplified Bible (especially Gal 2:16,19; 3:10-13; actually 3:10-4:21; 5:3,4,18; Rom 2:4; 3:20; and so on).

Second, Jesus is now the Mediator.  He is able and succeeds.  In the OT man had to yet be reconciled by Jesus Christ and needed men like Abraham and Moses.  So we have accounts such as Gen 18:23-25; and Ex 32:9-12,14.  “Churches” today seem to ignore this fact and seems to be teaching a strange doctrine that is actually antichrist!  If Abraham and Moses could “persuade” God, do you not think Jesus could do at least as well (Heb 7:25; 10:12,14)?

Satan is behind wrong teaching on “prayer” in the Body of Christ.  He convinces believers to stay in their closets taking the place of Jesus in intercession, pleading hours with God to turn from His wrath, to pour out His Spirit, and to meet the needs of the people!

The “last days” of Acts 2:17-20 was the last days of a law-system to try and obtain salvation, at the cross of Jesus when He paid the awesome price to get the stone, the law, out of the way – Heb 9:26!  So, Acts 2:16 says Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 in v. 17-21 and that it has happened (Acts 2:22 on).  Are you perhaps shielded in ignorance and weakness, waiting for an event that has happened already?

Meanwhile, families, co-workers, and neighbours are going to hell and are dying from disease.  The Bible does not say salvation come through intercession, but by the foolishness of preaching [the teachings of Jesus Christ] – 1 Cor 1:21.  We are not told to pray for the sick, but to go and heal them by commanding healing into their bodies as children of God that assumes the dominion on earth that Jesus Christ paid an extreme price for (Mt 10:8).  And why should we do Mt 10:8, if they must die again?

When Jesus became our Mediator, He put all other mediators out of business forever.  Be careful though, to not confuse yourself with intercession and Mt 18:19. Corporate prayer is not one standing in a gap for the fellow person praying, but praying together in one accord.  Understand Js 5:16, even Jn 20:21-23.  We are all part of one Body, that of Jesus Christ.  He alone is the Head of His Church, city, Body, Bride, forever.  We must harmonize, be whole.  We do not do His work, we live His work [be His brothers, His Body, His Light and glory – continuous unending victorious Life!] on earth.  We exercise the dominion He gave us [back], together in one accord, without offense.  Careful here to be sure that you follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and not man (1 Jn 2:4)!

We are deceived if we think praying is about us having to persuade God to release His power.

If we really believe He has paid and provided healing and salvation, we will speak it and command it.  There is a better way to pray, NT believer:  prophesy!  This is not the only way, but please realize that we no longer have to beg and plead (Mt 6:7); we just have to exercise the authority He has given us (Gen 1:26-28; Ps 115:16): receive God’s righteousness and grace and glory!  What is His, is ours (Eph 2:6; Rom 8:17,19)!  If you grasp God’s grace, you will understand Paul in 1 Cor 1:23 to 2:2-10.  Stop begging God in ignorance for what He has already provided (2 Pet 1:3-4-11; Eph 1:3-12) and appropriate it by faith (Heb 4:2).  Combine your faith [trust, following Him] with what God has done already in Christ.

Conclusion

Very carefully consider what the apostle Paul’s concern was in 2 Cor 11:3.  Did you see v 4?  Again understand the one, unfolding, progressive revelation, from the beginning [Genesis] to the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1a) – see Heb 8:12-1; 9:13,26; Rom 10:4; Gal 1:6-15…  Shall we go on, or are you seeing the Light (Jn 1:9-17)?  Yes, that was the day (Jn 19:30) the Lord has made (Ps 118:24); that was the day judgement was passed on religious rulers, powers, principalities, wickedness in high places!  Woe to you, Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, religious play-actors!

A “school” originally referred to a person, and only later started to refer to the institution that followed the teaching of that person.  So, the school’s “pupils” (as in eyes), allow light in to see what the teacher sees, and so become “enlightened”.  Followers are disciples, you see…

Have you also noticed two words in the English language today that obviously share the same root, namely (1) “principal” that most dictionaries will tell you is cardinal, chief, controlling, dominant, first, foremost, most important, pre-eminent, strongest; and (2) “principle” that firstly is assumption, axiom, canon, dictum, doctrine, dogma, formula, fundamental, golden rule, law…” Now think again of Eph 6:12.  Who do you suppose are these “rulers” and “principalities” and what is “this present darkness” they rule?  How can wickedness get in high places, if Satan (himself) has no access in heaven [does not approach God’s throne]?

The darkness that condemns people, because they love the darkness more than Light (Jn 1; 3:17-21), is none else than the law, the idea of self-righteousness, being blinded by the principality – in their own minds – that they are God.  This god that does it “my way, and may I say, not in a shy way…”.  What astonishing arrogant blasphemy! A hellish Satanic lie at best (Jn 15)!

Ps 82 with Jn 10:36-38 and Rom 13:1-2 is not contradicting.  Indeed, all followers of Christ are children of the most High (Ps 82:6; Rom 8:13-37; Heb 2:4-18), but He alone is God.

Can you see the twist (“wickedness”) in deceiving children of God?  You are supposed to accurately reflect Jesus’ Light and Truth and represent your Father!  Ps 8; 82:6; Jn 10:34. Read around Jn 10:33-42.  Hard Scriptures?  Attach Jn 15 and Jn 14 (especially v 9-15) …

Listen and hear well, friend in Christ, a religious institution is NOT [necessarily] the Church of Jesus Christ!  The Church of Jesus Christ follows the teaching of Jesus Christ!  His Church believes Jesus set them free from themselves, from attempting in vain to live by a law that only administrates death through attempted self-righteousness.  His Church is His Body and believes Jesus – that He ended the law (Rom 10:4; Jn 19:30).  A body with cells that fight each other is infiltrated by cancer and is not the Spirit of Christ (Rom 1:17-22).  Now, friend, do you have ears to hear?  Hear then even Jer 1:12; Is 55:10-13.  Accept 1 Cor 3:11 for real!  How do you suppose are you ‘visiting’ an Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent God in a building build by man once a week… where emotion (self-consciousness not God-conscious spirit) and fear is used to manipulate people?  This is not the ‘dwell’ mentioned in Rom 8:9,11; Col 3:16; neither the new lasting glory of 2 Cor 3:9-18; 5:15-21…

Read Prov 11:30; 15:4; then Heb 5:12-6:3. This advanced teaching is the plain Truth that sets you free.  Nothing else can set you free.  Believe you Jesus Christ – Jn 10:10; 16:33. Jesus Christ is your righteousness.  Jesus Christ is your holiness.  Jesus Christ took all judgement of sin (Jn 16:9) on Him for all those THAT BELIEVE HIM.  Do you love HIM?  More than yourself?  More than men and their twisted, wicked, compromised ideas?  Do you love HIM?

This advanced teaching (Heb 6:3) will get you to not conform to this world of the law [self-righteousness] (Rom 12:2) but have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).  This teaching will get you to repent, to change your mind, to take those wicked thoughts captive into obedience unto Christ (not the other way around).  Perfection is in His righteousness, His Love, His grace. Jesus as a Son of the law (bar-mitsvah), had Himself immersed by John the immerser “to fulfil all righteousness …” (Mt 3:15)!  Then Holy Spirit descended upon Him and behold, a voice from the heaven said, This is My Son, My Beloved, in Whom I delight! (Mt 3:17).

Be in your right mind, clothe yourself with JESUS CHRIST and sit at HIS feet (Lk 8:35).  Stop being so busy, king of your own created world (Lk 10:41) – delegate [choose time with Him, trust others to help, get a CEO if you have to, grasp Mt 6:33]!  Like Martha, you might welcome Jesus into your house [1 Cor 6:19-20] and have cd’s of gospel music all over and Bibles lying around (Lk 10:38), but still be so busy trying to impress [even] Him that you hear not His voice (“but…” in Lk 10:40a).  Be quiet and get His good news:  Jesus Christ did it, you get what He deserved through HIS work.  Jesus loosened the work the devil had done.  This means Jesus ended the law.  This means you should be clothed with Him, hear His voice, follow Him, be free, and in your right mind.  Not passing [fading] but lasting.  His mind, His idea for you (Jer 29:11-14; Gen 22:17).  You shall not die but live (He can).

But if you still want to mix an old covenant law with the New Testament of Jesus Christ, then finally accept Heb 4:1-3 (Num 14:16a!).  If you want to still trip over the stone [law, Sabbath], then see that v 4 says “For in a certain place He has said about the seventh day…”  Does that sound like the time the law was given?  Read on (v. 3,5-16 in the Amplified).  Verse 7 says “Again He sets a definite day, today… Today, if you hear His voice… do not harden your hearts”.  If you still think you have to die to enjoy abundant death, and your peace will only be in heaven one day, you are missing the awesome revelation that that day of rest (Eph 2:4-9; Phil 4:5-7) is actually not far, but in your heart and in your mouth – just believe it and then speak it!  Speak to that mountainous law, cast it in the lowest on earth – the sea.  Stand on the sand of that sea [dust; sand you cannot build with like sand of a river], making it your footstool.  Then see.  You are above, not below.  That “below” that will not be in the new heaven and the new earth.  Prophesy to it.  Say to it, Grace! Grace!  Think about Jn 1:17; 11:26; 12:50 again…

So, to summarize:  the work the devil (accuser) has done, was to take man’s awareness of himself and twist it into a focus [reliance] on himself, instead of focusing [depend in trust] on God for wisdom, power [glory, anointing] – Love.  So instead of being aware [conscious] of self (Ps 139:13-17) to bring Father, Son and Holy Spirit glory in a meaningful personal relationship, the self is seen as God [not needing a Savior, a Guide].  So, the idea of following a law or steps or rules becomes very appealing, and fruit (words) that kills.  The impressiveness is thus so not glorifying God [Love], but the self as God.  All these doctrines of man, such as “infant baptism”, “rapture”, “gap theory”, “evolution” (anti-creationism that need bogus millions of years), and so on, is actually all having the same effect:  it brings a phlegmatic, stolid numbness over man.  The man that is supposed to be the glory of God, the pinnacle in His creation.  The rulers, the kings, the priests.  This is the glory Jesus wants to return in – us (you)!  This is the kingdom Jesus wants to hand to His Father for good – you [us]!  This work is what Jesus came to do, to loosen [remove the “bobbin”] what the devil has done (1 Jn 3:8).  We are to get all enemies beneath our feet (1 Cor 15:26; Is 52:7; Eph 6:15), see it?

How shocking to think that the “church” [denominations] are likely His adversary (Heb 10:13; Eph 1:17-23; remembering Col 2:15 – the devil is not God’s adversary, the devil is our adversary in self)!

Wake up and grow up church!  Why stop with Heb 12:2, that is only the introduction, to prepare you for what God is saying following verse 2!!  “Tribulation” is training!  Don’t shrink away from it, and don’t embrace it, subdue it!  God did not send it, you allowed it!  Rule or fail yourself over and over!  Jesus Christ is the King of kings.  If you refuse to be a kingly priest, you refuse His kingdom-plan, and you will not glorify Him or His name.  Don’t be lame, bare HIS Name!!  Don’t wait to go up, grow up!

The choice is yours:  be useful and use that power [glory, anointing] inside of you, manifest your sonship as a child of GOD; or be uselessly content that you are saved and going away to heaven one day, unscathed [ignoring Jesus’ commission (Mt 28:19-20; Jn 17:18-20)]; still only concerned with your self – where you will be (heaven or hell).  You should know that a believer is not necessarily a follower [yet] of Jesus Christ (Js 2:14-26).  And if you follow man [man’s ideas], you are not a disciple of Jesus Christ, and then surely you will be unable to make disciples of men [for Jesus Christ] – Heb 5:12-6:3.

Epilogue

Are you with God’s program?

Are you shaken?  Good!  That is what Heb 12 is saying.  God will shake the earth to reveal what cannot be shaken – HIS WORD.  Dogma will fall, be burnt like chaff.  And the shaking, the cleaning up, will start inside His house, His Body corporate, His Church – first. The weeds will be removed and His full grown seed will remain.  The wicked will be removed and His saints remain (1Thess 4:14; 5:23).  Get with God’s program.  Then Jesus Christ will return.  It is “not until” not “any moment”!…

We are not to waste time tackling each other in our family while the whole world outside is still lost and bound; yet we must be one with Jesus Christ and not confuse the world out there.  We must clean up our act – and be genuine – before we can preach to the world to do the same.  We must be sure not to act [play roles in falsity]; but to act [demonstrate in power the gospel of Jesus Christ]!

Go in peace with Col 1:13-29 and 2 Tim 1:4-7 (Heb 2:8).  Love, joy and peace to you and your loved ones, in Jesus, our Brother (Heb 2:10-13), everlasting Father (Is 9:6-7a), and Lord.

Amen.

[1] Yes, there is a heaven and there is a hell (see meditations on it).  For now, just contemplate 1 Cor 15:51; 1 Thess 4:13-18 in your right mind:  Jesus is coming [returning!] with them (Heb 12:1)…

[2] See the meditation “Lucifer, part 1 + 2…”.  Realize who you are in Christ (Is 54:13-17), and that God made the destroyer to destroy (Is 54:16), and you will be free from childish fear for an adversary that should not even have been in your mind, but instead you should have been closer to a full and accurate knowledge of Jesus Christ as the First-born, meaning you should know the Lord’s Voice, not a deceiver-loser’s  thoughts that was there to destroy [be destroyed with] evil thoughts!  Rethink Heb 12:2,is it Moses or Jesus (Jn 9:28)?  Jn 10, for one part in Scripture, should reveal to you that false teachers steal your sonship only because of your own ignorance (Hos 4:6; Rom 10:2-4), and feigned love (Rom 12:9).

[3] Note that the stumbling is over a stone (Ps 91:11,12; 118:2,17,18; Jer 17:9,10; Is 8:14; Lk 4:11).  Mt 7:11 says, “who will, when asked for Spirit of Life (Jn 6:33-50), give the law (Rom 9:32; 1 Pet 3:2; Mt 3:9)?”   The devil tempted Jesus in Lk 4:3 by asking Him to turn the law into life to show He is the Son of God (Rom 8:2,3), but Jesus never tripped over the law.  He healed people on the Sabbath (2 Cor 3:3,14; Jer 31:32,33) while the religious could only come to Him after the law was out of their way (that evening, the end of Sabbath – Lk 4:40).  Jesus showed what was permitted [on the Sabbath], but the religious disagreed with JESUS (Mt 12:6; Jn 4:23; Heb 9:8).  The stone that was rolled away that Lazarus could come alive (Jn 11:41; Gal 3:10-13; Heb 7:19), represents the law!  See 1 Pet 2:6-8, see and hear and eat the Bread, not the stone.  Jesus did not throw a stone at the “dog” (Mk 7:25-30; and Jn 8:3-12) as the Jewish law said He could, but instead gave her Bread.  She saw her miracle, do you?  Remember and take special note that hardness of heart [heart of stone, law], shuts out Holy Spirit, and relies on “self”.  Also, that offense is a major hindrance (Mk 6:3).  Now see Jn 19:7; Rom 7:10, with Jn 1:12,17; Gal 4:6.